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Medullary spongy kidney

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
 
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Medullary spongy kidney belongs to the group of so-called cystic kidney diseases; it is characterized by ectasia and the formation of cysts in segments of collecting tubules localized inside the renal pyramids and papillae.

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Causes of the medullary spongy kidney

Medullary spongy kidney is referred to as congenital diseases. The anomaly is formed at relatively early stages of ontogenesis, since during histological examination the sites of embryonic renal tissue are found.

The importance of hereditary factors in the development of medullary spongy kidney is not established. The cases of combining the medullary spongy kidney with anomalies in the development of other organs, including hereditary syndromes (Ehlers-Danlos, Marfan) and with  congenital heart disease  and Caroli's disease are described.

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Pathogenesis

The size of the cysts is 7.5 mm. An asymmetric type of kidney damage is possible.

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Symptoms of the medullary spongy kidney

Symptoms of medullary spongy kidney are absent. Frequent complications of the medullary spongy kidney are nephrolithiasis and urinary tract infections.

Diagnostics of the medullary spongy kidney

Laboratory diagnosis of medullary spongy kidney

Most patients with a medullary spongy kidney have a microhematuria; episodes of macrohematuria are possible.

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Instrumental diagnosis of medullary spongy kidney

The method of choice for diagnosis of medullary spongy kidneys is intravenous pyelography. In contrast, the dilated sections of the collecting tubes acquire a characteristic appearance of a "cluster of grapes" or a "bouquet of flowers".

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Treatment of the medullary spongy kidney

Treatment of medullary spongy kidney is not developed. With irreversible deterioration of renal function, methods of renal replacement therapy are used.

Forecast

The prognosis of patients with a medullary spongy kidney depends on the frequency of episodes of macrohematuria, urinary tract infections and the severity of nephrolithiasis. With adequate prevention and treatment of nephrolithiasis and infections of the urinary tract, the medullary spongy kidney is a relatively benign condition.

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